In Italy Staying Healthy - How to better use the Italian healthcare system
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Staying Healthy
in Italy How to better use the
Italian healthcare systemThe Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) promotes understanding, strengthens relationships and facilitates cooperation among the people, institutions and organisations of Asia and Europe. ASEF enhances dialogue, enables exchanges and encourages collaboration across the thematic areas of culture, economy, education, governance, public health and sustainable development. ASEF is a not-for-profit intergovernmental organisation located in Singapore. Founded in 1997, it is the only institution of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Together with about 700 partner organisations ASEF has run more than 650 projects, mainly conferences, seminars and workshops. Over 17,000 Asians and Europeans have actively participated in its activities and it has reached much wider audiences through its networks, web-portals, publications, exhibitions and lectures. For more information, please visit www.asef.org ASIA-EUROPE FOUNDATION (ASEF) 31 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Singapore 119595 T +65 6874 9700 F +65 6872 1135 E info@asef.org www.asef.org
Table of Contents The Italian National Health Service 1 Health Problems Faced by Filipinos in Italy 5 Common Medications Used in the Philippines 8 and their Counterparts in Italy Rumours, Myths and Misperceptions about 12 the Health System and Providers Communication Problems 13 Glossary 14
This booklet provides important information on how to manage
your health during your stay in Italy.
It details the following information:
Ways to utilise the Italian healthcare system
• obtaining a health card
• consulting a doctor for the first time
• follow-ups
• getting medications
Common health concerns
• causes of illness
• symptoms
• corresponding medical treatments and
home remedies
Best health practices and common misperceptions
among migrants
Tips on how to improve communication with Italian
healthcare providersThe Italian National
Health Service (SSN)
Italian law recognises health as a citizen’s fundamental
right. Foreign-born citizens with a legal resident permit
enjoy the same rights as Italian citizens. Registration
to the Italian Health Service System ensures complete
healthcare free of charge for some services, while other
services are provided with a small fee (“ticket”) varying
from region to region.
What is “Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)”?
The Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is the name of the Italian public health service system.
Access to health services requires registration to the SSN:
You can register at a Local Health Agency (“Azienda Sanitaria Locale -- ASL”) with your
permanent address (as indicated in your residence certificate or your resident permit).
Once registered, you will get your health insurance card at ASL.
You will be assigned a general practitioner for yourself and a paediatrician for your
children, if any.
Who is eligible for the SSN?
Entitlement
People with a working residence permit (self-employed, employed, seasonally employed, registered
in employment centres, pending employment) or with a permit related to family reunification,
asylum, pending citizenship, pregnancy, or custody or adoption of minors are required to register.
Voluntary registration
Specific groups of people with a residence permit valid for more than 3 months (students,
au pairs, and parents aged 65 years and above re-joining their offspring) may register by paying a
fixed contribution of EUR 400 (valid from 1 January to 31 December – one cannot buy by month).
Undocumented migrants can access at least the basic services in case of emergency through
emergency departments, doctors on call, “118” emergency calls and hospitals run by voluntary
associations specialising in migrants’ health. It is forbidden for healthcare providers to report
undocumented migrants who access SSN.
1What is a healthcare insurance card?
The healthcare insurance card is a document issued by
the Local Health Agency (Asienda Sanitaria Locale–ASL)
upon your registration to the SSN and allows you to
access health services.
You need to show the card to book a specialised consultation or laboratory exam or to get a
discount on medicines. When you apply for the card for the first time, you need to provide the
ASL with your address and the documents proving that you have requested a residence permit.
The card expires when your residence permit expires. To renew it, you have to provide ASL with
the necessary documents proving that you requested a residence permit renewal.
Who do I turn to when I am sick?
Anyone who is registered with the SSN is entitled to consult a general practitioner (“medico di
base”, “medico di famiglia” or “medico della mutua”) as well as a paediatrician (“pediatra”) for
children under 14 years. You will be assigned to a practitioner upon your registration to SSN.
You may change your practitioner at any time if you think he/she is not suitable for you.
When you get sick, you first make an appointment with a general practitioner. They will make a
diagnosis and recommend medicine and treatments for you. If necessary, they can refer you to
specialised clinics or hospitals by filling out a medical referral (“impegnativa”) form. Preliminary
visits to a general practitioner are free of charge.
On the other hand, specialised consultations (“visite specialistiche”) and laboratory tests
(“esami di laboratorio”) require the payment of a fee (“ticket”) for partial or entire coverage,
which is quite affordable. To make an appointment, you can:
Call the regional toll free number (“numero verde”) and ask availability of
nearby hospitals;
Call the hospital you intend to go;
or
Visit the centralised booking office (Centro Unico di Prenotazione - CUP) in
a hospital in person. Once you get an appointment, you first have to pay the
ticket at the front desk (“accettazione”).
You can cancel your appointment (“disdire l’appuntamento”) by calling the same toll-free
number. Cancellation of visits are generally free, however, some regions apply a fee if you do
not cancel in time. Therefore, in all cases it is advisable to call at least 24 hours in advance to
cancel an appointment. The Italian health system provides exemptions for over 65, or poverty-
stricken people, and in other specific cases established by each region.
In Italian public hospitals, staff members (doctors, nurses, technicians) are not
allowed to receive any money or material rewards from patients.
2The Italian health system consists of public and private hospitals. If you require hospitalisation
(“essere ricoverato”) in a public hospital, you need a written request from your general
practitioner (GP) or, in cases of emergency, the first-aid doctors. Hospital admission is free.
Following a medical intervention, the patients will be hospitalised free of charge until the
doctor discharges them. In case where physiotherapy treatments are needed after a surgery
and before the discharge, the hospital provides them for free. In circumstances where this
service is not provided by the admission hospital, it can be requested in another hospital by
obtaining a referral form from GP to book physiotherapy treatment in the first available hospital
free of charge.
What if I am in an emergency situation?
Emergency Rooms (ERs, “Pronto Soccorso”) can be found in any hospital that responds to
emergency cases (accidents, injuries, critical and life-threatening conditions). Besides ERs,
the emergency call 118 (“centodiciotto”, meaning “one hundred eighteen”) also provides first
response to medical emergencies, including the ambulance service.
By calling this number from landlines or mobile phones, you will be given immediate
assistance in the place where you are and you will be asked to give your address and phone
number. Please consider that this number is to be used only in case of emergency. For
non-emergency medical consultations and treatments, you should talk to your general practitioner.
In Emergency Rooms, visitors are not called in order of arrival, but in order of
urgency. This means that upon your arrival at the hospital you will be given a priority
colour code:
Red for serious emergencies
Green for intermediate seriousness
White for not urgent cases
If your case is less serious than someone else’s, the latter will have the priority
even though he/she may have arrived at the hospital after you. Therefore, waiting
time might be long. It is also the case that in some regions, people in non-
emergency circumstances are required to pay a ticket.
What if I feel sick at night?
Doctors-on-call (“Guardia Medica”) are part of the free healthcare services you can request by
phone in case of emergency or whenever it is not possible to get in touch with your general
practitioner at night and on public holidays. By searching the name of your municipality and
“Guardia Medica” online, you can get the service number. The doctor-on-call will give you
recommendations on how to respond, which medicines you should take and, if necessary,
where to go to obtain health services. They also visit patients in their homes but only in very
serious circumstances.
Where and who do I have to turn to if I need medicine?
In Italy, you can purchase medicines only at pharmacies. Some medicines have to be
prescribed by doctors, because they have specific therapeutic indications so pharmacies
(“farmacie”) do not sell them without a medical prescription.
3Other medicines can be prescribed by your general practitioner, while some can be bought
directly at the pharmacy at full price. In the first two cases, medicines are prescribed on a red
prescription (“ricetta rossa”) or on a white prescription (“ricetta bianca”). The first one can be
either free of charge or require the payment of a ticket 1-4 euros depending on the region and
if the prescription is for generic drugs (“farmaci generici”), which are as effective as branded
medicines. The second type of medicines, prescribed on a white form, is entirely at your expense.
In the case of medicines that can be bought directly at the pharmacy without a doctor’s
prescription (“farmaci da banco”), you can ask for either branded medicines or generic drugs,
the latter being slightly less expensive than the former. This is particularly the case of
painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines.
In your area/neighbourhood, you can always find pharmacies that are open at
night and on public holidays. If you want to know where they are, there is a list of
open pharmacies at night (“farmacia di turno”) posted outside every pharmacy.
How can I monitor my health condition?
Anytime you want to do check-ups, laboratory exams, and follow-ups, you can talk to your
general practitioner following the ordinary visit reservation procedures. In Italy, free screening
services are periodically organised by the municipality or regional government for the prevention
of some common diseases. Examples include mammograms, pap-test screenings for cervical
abnormalities, and prostate screenings. Ask your general practitioner or visit the ASL office to
get more information about free prevention services.
SSN Process Flow Chart
Get your health card and GP
Emergency?
Yes No
Go to ER Make an appointment with a GP
Get prescription Get referral form
or medicines for specialist/for
from the clinic laboratory tests
Call to make an
appointment with
specialist/for
laboratory tests
Get medicines Get prescription
at the pharmacy for medicines if
necessary
4Health Problems Faced by
Filipinos in Italy
“My health problem in the Philippines recurred in Italy.”
“I started having this health problem after I moved to Italy.”
Migration entails adjustment to change—be it diet,
weather, climate, environment, and the people you interact
with. These factors may pose threats to your health. Here
are some common health problems encountered by Filipino
migrants in Italy.
1. Cough, colds, flu
Causes Contact with sick person; weak immune system; sudden temperature
changes (from warm environment to cold, vice versa); exposure to
pollutants/irritants (dust, chemicals, smoke, etc.)
Symptoms/Manifestations Sore throat; dry cough or cough with phlegm (whitish phlegm
indicates viral infection; greenish to yellowish phlegm indicates
possible bacterial infection); nasal congestion; sneezing; lack of
energy; fever; headache; muscle pains
Common medications Neozep/Decolgen/Bioflu; Tuseran/Loviscol; Solmux/Robitussin;
in the Philippines Mucosolvan/Bisolvon; Alaxan/Biogesic
Home Management Gargle with warm salt-water. Increase intake of Vitamin C rich foods
like citrus fruits (orange, lemon, dalandan, etc.) and juices (orange
and lemon juice, etc.). Maintain proper hygiene to prevent passing
infection to others (cover mouth while coughing in the presence
of others, frequent handwashing, etc.). A viral infection is usually
resolved by adequate rest and improved immune system, while a
bacterial infection may require a visit to the doctor.
2. Asthma
Causes Exposure to pollutants/irritants (smoke, dust, strong chemicals, odours
and perfumes, weather changes, etc.) or allergens (pollens); smoking;
stress; strong emotions (anger, sadness, etc.); exercise
Symptoms/Manifestations Shortness of breath; cough; difficulty breathing; wheezing
Common medications Ventolin inhaler (puff) or nebules; Bricanyl
in the Philippines
Home Management Use nebulizer or steam. Avoid strenuous activities. Stay away
from asthma triggers–dust, smoke, powder, strong perfumes, etc..
Immediate medical attention is necessary in case of severe asthma.
53. Gastro-enteritis/Diarrhoea
Causes Eating contaminated, spoiled, or highly seasoned food; lactose
intolerance (dairy product)
Symptoms/Manifestations Abdominal pain/cramps; frequent defecation with loose/watery
stools; body weakness; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite
Common medications Diatabs
in the Philippines
Home Management Eat a non-irritating/bland diet, foods low in fibre (white rice, plain
white pasta, crackers, fruit juice with little or no pulp, and well-cooked
vegetables without seeds, hulls or skins), tender meat, poultry and
fish, eggs, and tofu. Drink lots of water or electrolyte-water (Gatorade).
Have adequate rest.
4. Gastric hyperacidity
Causes Skipping meals; not eating enough amount of food; intake of food/drink that
increases acidity (coffee, softdrinks/soda, juices, citrus fruits, milk, etc.)
Symptoms/Manifestations Burning, painful sensation in the middle of the stomach to the chest;
indigestion; pain when swallowing
Common medications Kremil-S
in the Philippines
Home Management Eat low fat diet; avoid spicy food and other foods/drinks that increase
acidity. Have small, frequent meals. Avoid skipping meals. Eat or drink
2 hours before bedtime. Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
5. Muscular pain/Arthritis
Causes Overwork and stress
Symptoms/Manifestations Joint pain; redness and swelling in the joints; pain upon movement
Common medications Alaxan; Mobic; Flanax/Skelan
in the Philippines
Home Management Apply ointments such as Omega, Efficascent Oil, Pau Liniment to
the affected area for pain relief. Rest affected arm/leg and apply
warm compress.
66. Hypertension/High blood pressure
(blood pressure of higher than 120/80 mmHg)
Causes Eating foods high in salt (canned or packaged foods, instant noodles,
use of vetsin, or seasoning, etc.) and high in fat (pork, lechon, crispy
pata, kare-kare, oily/fried food, fast food, etc.); obesity; lack of exercise or
physical activity; smoking; frequent and excessive alcohol consumption
(beer, wine, hard liquor); stress; having diabetes mellitus
Symptoms/Manifestations Early symptoms are not usually present or apparent during the onset
of the disease. However, symptoms are: chest pain; headache; dizziness;
nosebleeding; blurring of vision; loss of balance; blood pressure higher than
120/80 in 3 random takings.
Common medications Maintenance medications are usually prescribed by the doctor. Some
in the Philippines examples are: Cardiosel; Neobloc; Inderal; Norvasc; Calcibloc; Lipitor;
Pritor; Vidastat
Home Management Maintain a low salt, low fat diet. Avoid canned goods, instant noodles,
fast food, use of preservatives and vetsin, fatty and oily foods
and highly-seasoned foods. Avoid smoking, manage stress, and
exercise regularly. If blood pressure reaches more than 120/80 in
three blood pressure takings, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis
and prescription. Blood pressure of more than 180/120 requires
immediate medical attention.
7. Diabetes mellitus
Causes Frequent eating of food high in fat (pork, lechon, crispy pata, kare-kare,
oily/fried food, fries, fast-food, etc.) and high in carbohydrates (softdrinks,
candies, ice cream, cakes, chocolates) and too much carbohydrates (rice,
bread, fruits); obesity; lack of exercise or physical activity; frequent and
excessive alcohol consumption; stress
Symptoms/Manifestations Early symptoms are not usually present or apparent during onset of
the disease. However, symptoms are: blurring of vision; numbness
or tingling sensation in the hands or feet; Infections or wounds that
heal slowly; easy to get tired; excessive thirst; frequent or excessive
hunger; frequent or excessive urination; weight loss; high blood sugar
level in urine or blood tests.
Common medications Lantus, Apidra; Mixtard, Humalog; Glucophage, Glumet
in the Philippines
Home Management Exercise regularly and maintain normal body weight. Observe diabetic
diet (60% from carbohydrates—rice, bread, pasta, fruits, 20% from
fats, 20% from protein—meat, fish, vegetables). Avoid eating too much
rice, bread, pasta, and fruits. Avoid eating sweets, soft drink/soda,
and fatty and oily food. Maintain proper hygiene, especially foot care.
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and
avoid stress. Drink lots of water and maintain proper hygiene to avoid contracting infection.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and maintain normal body weight to avoid
lifestyle-related diseases. If symptoms persist or worsen, immediately consult a general
practitioner. Have a regular visit to the physician to monitor existing health problems.
7Common Medications Used
in the Philippines and
their Counterparts in Italy
With the language difficulties you face in Italy, some of
you might prefer taking medicines manufactured and
purchased in the Philippines. This tendency prevents
you from addressing health concerns immediately—
postponing treatment until medicines from the
Philippines are available. However, some of these
medicines have counterparts in Italy which are often
cheaper or free but equally effective.
To facilitate better utilisation of Italian medicines, listed are commonly used medicines in the
Philippines for common health problems and their counterpart medicines in Italy with some of
the corresponding prices.
Common over-the-counter medicines purchased in the Philippines
and their equivalents in Italy
Brand Name Equivalents in Italy
Biogesic Tachipirina (compresse)
Neozep, Decolgen Vicks flu tripla azione
Bioflu, Sinutab Zerinol (compresse), Nurofen (compresse), Actifed/actigrip
Solmux, Loviscol Fluifort
Bisolvon Bisolvon (compresse)
Diatabs Imodium (compresse)
Kremil-S Maalox plus (compresse)
Alaxan Tachipirina (compresse), Voltaren Emulgel, Voltaren (compresse)
Flanax/Skelan Synflex forte (compresse), Synflex forte (bustine)
8Commonly-used medicines in Italy (branded and generic)
Brand Price A corresponding Therapeutic Therapeutic
Name (in euros) generic medicine, indications indications
name and cost (in Italian) (in English)
(in euros)
OKI 4.28 euros Chetoprofene: Antinfiammatorio, Painkiller, anti-
(30 envelops – 80 mg) 2.84 euros antidolorifico inflammatory
Aspirina 3.95 euros Acido Contro l’influenza, Flu, fever,
(20 capsules – 500 mg) Acetilsalicilico: la febbre e il cold
1.41 euros raffreddore
Bisolvon 8.20 euros Loperaminexol: Contro la tosse e Loosens phlegm;
(drops – 40 ml) 4.20 euros il catarro for cough
Mucosolvan 8.70 euros Ambroxolo: Contro la tosse e Loosens phlegm;
(syrup – 200 ml) 6.80 euros il catarro for cough
Therapeutic indications Therapeutic indications
(in English) (in Italian)
Relieves fever Per febbre
Stomach ache and relieves fever and colds Per febbre, raffreddore e gonfiore di stomaco
Stomach ache and relieves fever; flu; colds Per febbre, influenza e raffreddore, gonfiore
di stomaco
Loosens phlegm; for cough Contro la tosse e il catarro
Loosens phlegm; for cough Contro la tosse e il catarro
Treatment of diarrhoea Per diarrea
Treatment of gastric hyperacidity Per acidità di stomaco
Relief of pain Antidolorifico generico
Relief of pain, specific for arthritic pain Antidolorifico generico, indicato per artrite
9Commonly-purchased medicines in the Philippines and their Italian
counterparts with prices
Brand Name Price in the Philippines Equivalent Price in Italy
in Italy (in euro)
Ventolin Php 430.50 (inhaler) Ventolin (spray) 4.09 (100 mg)
(7.28 euros)
Mobic Php 44.00 (0.74 euros) (7.5mg) per tablet Mobic 10.07 (10 capsules
Php 440.00 (7.40 euros) for 10 tablets (compresse) - 7.5 mg)
Cardiosel Php 6.75 (0.11 euros) (100mg) per tablet Lopresor 4.33 (30 capsules -
Php 202.50 (3.30 euros) for 30 tablets (compresse) 100 mg)
Inderal Php 20.50 (0.35 euros) (40mg) per capsule Inderal 1.86 (30 capsules -
Php 615.00 (10.50 euros) for 30 capsules (compresse) 40 mg)
Hypace Php 14.50 (20mg) (0.25 euros) per tablet Enapren 4.91 (14 capsules -
Php 203.00 (3.50 euros) for 14 tablets (compresse) 20 mg)
Norvasc Php 38.50 (10mg) (0.65 euros) per tablet Norvasc 4.93 (14 capsules -
Php 539.00 (9.10 euros) for 14 tablets (compresse) 10 mg)
Calcibloc Php 24.75 (10mg) (0.42 euros) / Adalat 12.00 (50 capsules -
Php 33.25 (30mg) (0.56 euros) per capsule (compresse) 10 mg)
Php 1,237.50 (21.00 euros) (10mg) / Crono 6.77 (14 capsules -
Php 1,662.50 (28.00 euros) (30mg) (compresse) 30 mg)
for 14 capsules
Pritor/ Php 25.00 (40mg) (0.42 euros) per tablet Micardis 5.87 (28 capsules -
Micardis Php 700.00 (11.76 euros) for 28 tablets 20 mg)
Lipitor Php 34.40 (10mg) (0.58 euros) per tablet Torvast 3.14 (10 capsules -
Php 344.00 (5.80 euros) for 10 tablets (compresse) 10 mg)
Lantus Solostar Php 858.00/pen (14.51 euros) Lantus Solostar 79.85 (3 ml)
Apidra Solostar Php 684.00/pen (11.57 euros) Apidra Solostar 49.39 (1 ml phials -
tot: 100 phials)
Mixtard flex pen Php 640.00/pen (10.82 euros) Humolin 14.72 (10 ml phials
- tot: 100 phials)
Humalog Php 894.50/pen (15.13 euros) Humalog 34.87 (1 phial:10
ml - tot: 100 phials)
Glucophage Php 18.00 (0.30 euros) per tablet Glucophage 1.81 (30 capsules -
Php 540.00 (9.00 euros) for 30 tablets 500 mg)
EUR 1 = PHP 59.17; PHP 1 = EUR 0.017. Exchange rate as of 7 July 2014 (rounded off to the nearest tenth)
10Generic Equivalents Price upon utilising the Therapeutic Indication Therapeutic
and Price (in euro) Italian health system (in English) Indication
(1-4 euros) (in Italian)
Salbutamolo 1-4 euros/bottle Relief of asthma Per asma
2.50 euros
Meloxican 1-4 euros per 10 capsules Relief of pain, arthritic Antidolorifico
3.02 euros pain generico e contro
l’artrite
Metoprololo 1-4 euros per 30 capsules Helps lower blood Per pressione alta
3.82 euros pressure; treatment e ipertensione
of hypertension
No generic medicine 1-4 euros per 30 capsules
Enalapril 1-4 euros per 20 capsules
3.26 euros
Amlodipina 1-4 euros per 14 capsules
3.26 euros
Nifedipina 1-4 euros per 50 capsules
5.50 euros
1-4 euros per 14 capsules
Telmisartan 1-4 euros per 28 capsules
3.87 euros
Atorvastatina 1-4 euros per 10 capsules Helps lower cholesterol; Per colesterolo
4.35 euros treatment of alto e
hypertension ipertensione
No generic medicine 1-4 euros per pen Controls blood Per diabete
sugar; for diabetes
management
No generic medicine 1-4 euros per 100 phials
No generic medicine 1-4 euros per 100 phials
No generic medicine 1-4 euros per 100 phials
Mitformina 1-4 euros per 30 capsules Lowers blood sugar; Per regolare i
1.27 euros for diabetes livelli di zuccheri
management nel sangue, per
diabete
11Rumours, Myths and Misperceptions
about the Health System and Providers
Misleading rumours often circulate about the unreliability of Italian health providers. These
misperceptions are mostly linked to communication problems and should not discourage you
from utilising SSN. SSN is internationally recognised for the technical competence of its staff
(doctors, nurses, etc.) and effectiveness in preventive, promotive, and curative medicine. In the
Philippines, private clinics are perceived to be better than public ones. In Italy, public services
have a good level of reliability.
However, SSN is relatively weak in terms of communication capability. Providers are
overburdened with a heavy work load. Therefore, consultations are very quick and a technical-
oriented approach is adopted; attention is mostly focused on physical problems, and little effort
is made on forging an interpersonal doctor-client connection. This might appear as a sign of
indifference to you, but is simply a different relational attitude taken by Italian providers who are
reliable and competent.
For cultural reasons, you might adopt a deferential attitude towards practitioners,
agreeing to their suggestions (even if at times you actually disagree or you do not
comprehend the prescription) and do not express your doubts. But, it is important
that you openly ask all your questions until you fully understand.
This is the only way to receive adequate explanations.
In most cases, health providers are professionals who work for the health of every human
being, regardless of the patient’s nation of origin. Nonetheless, some discriminatory behaviour
of Italian health providers have been reported by some Filipino migrants. Such behaviour should
be reported to the service against racial discrimination of UNAR (Ufficio Nazionale contro le
Discriminazioni Razziali - National Office against Racial Discrimination), by calling the free phone
number: 800901010.
12Communication Problems
Lack of understanding of the doctor’s diagnosis and prescriptions can result in anxiety,
confusion and doubt in your community towards the healthcare providers, delaying
medical attention until you return to the Philippines. The low level of utilisation of health
care services and the inability to avail free and/or affordable Italian medicines prevents
efficient use of the Italian health system and the timely management of health problems.
Therefore, to facilitate the utilisation of the Italian health services, it is important to
learn some basics of the Italian language and be able to communicate with the Italian
healthcare providers.
Language Course Providers
1. In the Philippines, the Embassy of Italy has listed some Italian language course providers
where pre-departing Italian-bound migrants can enrol. The Philippine Italian Association
(PIA) (www.philippineitalianassociation.com) located in Makati City provides 3 levels of
Italian language courses: basic (A1 and A2), intermediate (B1 and B2), and advanced
(C1 and C2). This syllabus is based on the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The basic courses include: the Italian alphabet; basic phrases; familiar everyday expressions
such as those used in shopping, seeking directions, and employment; and frequently
asked questions such as personal and family information. The intermediate courses
deal with familiar matters regularly encountered at work, school, leisure and main ideas
of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. The advanced level deals with
operational proficiency and mastery of the language. These courses run for 9-12 weeks
(9 weeks for weekday classes, 12 weeks for Saturday classes) with 2-3 hours in each
class. A 36-hour course (12 sessions) costs PHP 6,000 (approximately EUR 100).
Teachers are native Italians and Filipinos who have worked in Italy for a long time. They
also offer Italian language proficiency examination for those who want to study in Italy.
A certificate of Italian language proficiency is given for those who pass the exam.
2. The Dante Alighieri Society of Manila (www.dantemanila.com) also offers Italian courses
for PHP 6,000. They also follow the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
3. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) (www.owwa.gov.ph) conducts
free mandatory language training and culture familiarisation seminar at its satellite
office in Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Ortigas for household
service workers (caregivers, private nurses, domestic helpers, family drivers, etc.). The
training is conducted for 3 days from 8 am - 5 pm, inclusive of a stress management
seminar. The language training deals with basic Italian vocabulary, alphabet, sentence
construction, and basic phrases suited for the job, frequently used expressions in
communicating with the employer, and words and phrases used in conveying common
health problems (e.g., headache, fever, cough, nurse, doctor, etc.). A certificate is given
upon completion of the course.
4. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (www.cfo.gov.ph) provides Italy-bound Filipino
emigrants with a list of organisations that provide free Italian language courses in Italy.
13These language training courses may be able to incorporate conversational Italian on health service
consultation which can address the problems of miscommunication and mistrust.
Free (or affordable) Italian courses, specifically addressed to foreign people, are
organised by several organisations in Italy. The most recognised are promoted by
the government and are held at CTPs (Centri Territoriali Permanenti - Permanent
Territorial Centers) and CPIAs (Centri Provinciali per l’Istruzione degli Adulti -
Departmental Centers for Adults Long-Life Learning).
Other courses are organised by non-profit associations and parishes. When the linguistic barrier
cannot be overcome, a free service of linguistic mediation (“mediazione linguistica”) may be
required. Mediation in Tagalog is often (but not always) available. There is no standardised
procedure to request mediation service. It is recommended to request this service at the
centralised booking office when booking an appointment.
Staying Healthy in Italy
You have the opportunity to maintain your health in Italy. The SSN
presents a high level of inclusiveness and universalism. It is important
to seek consultation and treatment as soon as the health problem
emerges before it becomes too serious. SSN encourages people to
undergo regular preventive measures. Waiting for a return to the
Philippines for prevention or treatments is not necessary and is not
effective in terms of health protection.
Glossary
Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) - Local Health Agency
Accettazione - Front desk
Bustine - Sachet
Centodiciotto (118) - Free number for medical rapid intervention by ambulance
Centri Provinciali per l’Istruzione degli Adulti (CPIA) - Departmental Centers for Adults Long-Life Learning
Centri Territoriali Permanenti (CTP) - Permanent Territorial Centers
Centro Unico di Prenotazione (CUP) - Booking office
Compresse - Tablets
Disdire l’appuntamento - Cancel the appointment
Esami di laboratorio - Laboratory tests
Farmaci da banco - Medicines that can be directly purchased in pharmacies without the General
Practitioner’s prescription
Farmaco generic - Generic drug
Guardia Medica - Doctors on call you can request by phone when your General Practitioner is not available
Impegnativa - Medical referral
Mediazione linguistica - Linguistic mediation
Medico di base, Medico di famiglia, Medico della mutua - General Practitioner
Numero verde - Toll-free number
Pediatra - Pediatrician
Pronto Soccorso - Emergency Rooms (ERs)
Ricetta bianca - White form
Ricetta rossa - Red form
Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) - National Health Service
Ufficio Nazionale contro le Discriminazioni Razziali (UNAR) - National Office Against Racial Discriminations
14 Visite specialistiche - Specialized consultationsAcknowledgements
This booklet is based on a report published by De La Salle University Publishing House for the Asia-
Europe Foundation (ASEF): The Health Dimension of Asian Migration to Europe (2013) by Trinidad
OSTERIA, Daniela CARRILLO and Annavittoria SARLI. The report’s full text is available for free download
at http://asef.org/pubs/asef-publications/3089-the-health-dimension-of-asian-migration-to-europe.
The views expressed in this document can under no circumstances be attributed as the view or
opinions of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and its sponsor.
The Authors
Trinidad OSTERIA Annavittoria SARLI
Aleli GUINTO Veronica MEROTTA
Emily Jean CRUDO
YUCHENGCO CENTER FONDAZIONE ISMU
2nd Floor, Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall Via Copernico 1
De La Salle University 20125 Milan
2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 0922 Italy
The Philippines T +39 02 6787791
T +63 2 526 1253 E ismu@ismu.org
E yuchengcocenter@dlsu.edu.ph W www.ismu.org
W yc.dlsu.edu.ph
This project is financially supported by the Government of Japan.
15www.asef.org
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